Study Abroad Bloggers

Spanish in Cartagena, Colombia

2010-07-28T15:06:13-04:00

When researching locations for Spanish study abroad, South America may not be in your scope, let alone Cartagena, Colombia. Colombia has gotten a bad rap in the past, but it's made a turnaround, and many are not aware of its culturally rich areas like Cartagena.

Cartagena is a gorgeous town, brimming with flowers and starting to be considered one of South America's best-kept secrets. Colombia's most popular destination, Cartagena was recently raved about in the Travel section of The Week magazine. Citing the town as inspiration for the work of famed author Gabriel García Márquez, The Week calls it a "city for lovers," and admires its "tropical breezes and lanes lined with flower-filled balconies."

Study Spanish in Cartagena
Spanish in Latin America

Top 3 Crazy Celebrations in Spain

2010-07-22T15:47:45-04:00

Spain sure does have some crazy celebrations! If you are thinking of studying abroad to learn Spanish in Spain, take a look at these celebrations to see if you would like to make your time in Spain coincide with one of them.

1. Running of the Bulls in Pamplona, Spain
You've probably heard of this one, but if you haven't, every year on the 6th of July, humans race bulls in the streets of Pamplona. This is part of the San Fermin Festival, which takes place from July 6-14. The bulls are running from a corral to the bullring. The humans are... well, pretty much getting in the bulls way! Every year, runners are gored and trampled by the bulls, yet there is no shortage of volunteers! Take our advice and witness this event from the sidelines, preferably a balcony if you can find one! For safer activities, try a Spanish school in Pamplona. This is a lovely city in northern Spain which is ideal for learning a new language!

2. Tomato Fight in Valencia, Spain
Here's a good one! Every August in Valencia, a weeklong festival culminates in a giant tomato fight! Yes, it's true. On the last Wednesday of the month, you'd better grab the nearest bunch of tomatoes and be prepared. This is a very fun festival with a week of dancing, fireworks, and general merrymaking. Be sure not to miss it if you are studying Spanish in Valencia in August!

3. Burying Sardines in Tenerife, Spain
Get ready for a good laugh - or cry- at this celebration, which takes place during the time of Carnival and Mardi Gras, on Ash Wednesday. A giant model of a sardine is paraded through the streets, and the procession and crowd wear black. At the end of the parade, the sardine is burned and everybody cries - loudly! Of course, with its beautiful location as one of the Canary Islands, learning Spanish in Tenerife is sure to be a good time.

Go to All Study Abroad's Spanish schools in Spain directory.

Go to AmeriSpan's Spain Spanish schools.

5 Landmarks to See While Studying Spanish in Madrid

2010-07-21T11:50:07-04:00

Madrid is an ideal place to study Spanish, as it is the largest and most centrally located city in the country. It is amazing things to offer all kinds of travelers, whether they enjoy art, food, history, nightlife, or all of the above. We've rounded up the best landmarks of the city that we strongly encourage you to see once you get there!

1. Plaza Mayor

One of the most recognized and visited places in Madrid, the Plaza Mayor is a large common area that offers lots of history, activities, and people watching! Here you can have a seat and watch locals, tourists, street performers, and often festivals and other happenings. Nearby is the Mercado San Miguel, which is a great place to find fresh and delicious Spanish food!

2. Museo del Prado

The Museo del Prado (Prado Museum) is easily regarded as one of the greatest collections of fine art from the 12th-19th Centuries in the world. It is home to many illustrative paintings, etchings and drawings by Spanish masters Francisco Goya, Pablo Picasso and Diego Velázquez. It is also a great place to familiarize yourself with all kinds of traditional Spanish art such as El Greco and classical Renaissance painting. The Prado is home to over 7,600 paintings, 1,000 sculptures, 4,800 prints and 8,200 drawings.

3. Puerta del Sol

In front of the Madrid Community Capital building lies another plaza, this one more bustling than the first. Puerta del Sol sits in the "heart" of Madrid and features a famous statue of a bear climbing a madrono tree, Madrid's symbol. Also in the Puerta del Sol is Kilometer Zero, which is a plaque marking the beginning of nearby national highways. Puerta del Sol is a popular meeting place for friends and is host to the city's most popular New Year's celebrations.

4. Gran Via

The Gran Via is the main commericial artery of the city and ideal for a leisurely stroll! Slightly comparable to Paris' Champs d'Elysees, there is the Plaza de Espana on one side and the Plaza de Cibeles, with plenty of shopping, entertainment, and dining in between. The Gran Via District is also home to many attractions, such as the Edificio Espana, Metropolis building, and some killer theaters and views of the glorious Madrid skyline!

5. Parque del Retiro

Also known as "El Retiro Park," this large urban park is green, grand, and happening! See the well-known statue of Alfonzo XII, take a siesta, listen to musicians, or take a mini-hike while you are here. Other interesting sculptures include the Forest of the Absent memorial and the glass Crystal Palace. Parque del Retiro is an excellent place to get some exercise, and those with a love of water sports can row in its giant lake! Que linda!

As one of the world's busiest (and in our opinion most beautiful) cities, we highly recommend studying Spanish in Madrid and getting the most out of your trip there. For more information about studying Spanish in Madrid, check out:

Don Quijote
Study Spanish in Spain

Language and Professional Development

2010-07-13T16:31:41-04:00

Think you have to be a student or retired to study a language abroad? Think again!

Most people are unaware of the fact that they can combine business and pleasure abroad by taking language classes specifically geared towards their line of work! And we're not just talking about foreign language teachers, either! Thousands of companies around the world each day benefit from employees with a knowledge of more than one language, and as a global economy thrives, job seekers with knowledge of more than one language can be a more valuable asset than ever!

But what kinds of professional development programs are out there?

Nearly EVERY industry's needs and vocabulary can be covered at select language schools. The most popular programs are for medical professionals (doctors, medical students, nurses, medical receptionists, etc.), educators (foreign language instructors, teachers with bilingual or ESL students/parents, potential recipients of language certification), and executives or any other kind of professionals with a need for language study. Even if your particular field is not covered in a large class, it is sometimes possible to set up general language classes in a group with private tutoring! It is important to know what your options are, and all you have to do is ask!

For more information about language and professional development programs, see:

Don Quijote
AmeriSpan Business and Professional Programs

Spanish in Merida, Mexico

2010-07-06T16:29:15-04:00

Merida, Mexico is a grand city close to Mayan ruins and a glorious coastline. It offers a great atmosphere for studying Spanish, as it is not as touristy as other Mexican cities and has something for everyone.

Merida is located in the Yucatan region of Mexico and still retains much of its Mayan heritage. Bul keken, for example, is a Yucateco soup whose name is Mayan for "Beans and pork." Many foods here contain "Achiote," a spice made from one of the regions most plentiful crops - hard Anatto seed.

While you're studying in Merida, there's a variety of ways to spend your time (aside from laying on the beach, of course!). You can take a trip to see Mayan ruins in the area or see them downtown at the Museum of the City of Merida, or you can wander the well-manicured cobblestone streets of the city and take in shopping centers, movie theaters, art galleries, museums, and more.

Merida is an all-around lovely location that will encourage you to practice your newly acquired Spanish skills while bringing out your inner adventurer!

For more information about studying Spanish in Merida, Mexico, visit:

Spanish in the World
AmeriSpan Study Abroad in Merida, Mexico

Study Spanish in the Dominican Republic!

2010-06-30T14:58:28-04:00

The Dominican Republic is a gorgeous paradise, offering many of the Caribbean amenities you'd expect: palm trees, vibrant color, fascinating indigenous heritage, exotic animal and plant life, and lots of fun things to do! AllStudyAbroad has always been a proponent of this magical country, and we have always encouraged students to consider studying Spanish in the Dominican Republic!

The town of Sosua is a popular destination for Spanish students because of its lower number of resorts and authentic feel. It offers many outdoor activities, including water skiing, surfing, windsurfing, birdwatching, hiking, and the purity of the sand and ocean.

The Dominican Republic's capital city of Santo Domingo is also a popular choice. A historical European settlement, this location offers something for everyone to do as well as a bounty of Spanish schools. In Santo Domingo, one can enjoy the beach, jungle, and water sports in addition to all of the treasures of the city: shopping, dining, museums, and more!

For more details about studying Spanish in the Dominican Republic, visit:

Spanish Study Abroad in Dominican Republic
Study Languages
Spanish in Latin America

Study German in Bamberg, Germany

2010-06-25T16:13:12-04:00

Most people have never heard of Bamberg, let alone considered it a viable location for studying German abroad. When many of us think of Germany, we might think of the Alps, beer, sauerkraut, sausages, oompa bands and leiderhosen, and we might visualize the country's layout as consisting of many small villages surrounding the metropolises of Berlin and Munich. But such is not the case! Germany, as it turns out, has many cities and differing regions, and Bamberg is no exception!

Located within the forests of Bavaria, Bamberg is one of the few cities left unscathed by World War II, which means there are countless historical sites to discover. It's steeples and distinct architecture are picturesque and timelessly admirable, while its proximity to the River Main provides many opportunities for beautiful walks and bike rides! The town is quaint, the people friendly, and it makes a perfect stop between Munich and Frankfurt or Berlin!

For more information about stufying German in Bamberg, visit:

Languages Abroad
Study German in Bamberg

Alajuela Costa Rica - Top Place to Learn Spanish!

2010-06-17T17:55:49-04:00

If you are seeking an excellent, all-around place to study abroad and learn Spanish, Costa Rica is probably on your list of places to explore. Alajuela is one of the best places to learn Spanish, in Costa Rica or otherwise. Gorgeous, temperate weather year-round and close proximity to San Jose for ease of transport are just two reasons to consider this beautiful, peaceful location. Add a top-notch Spanish school and friendly, relaxed environment to complete the picture of why you should learn Spanish here! Along with regular Spanish classes, there are specialized courses for educators and teens as well. Watch the video below from the ICLC Spanish Institute in Alajuela.

Of course, don't forget to check out All Study Abroad's Costa Rica Spanish programs!

French in Paris, the "City of Lights"

2010-06-16T13:34:12-04:00

Paris, the "City of Lights" has been an international cultural hub for centuries. It has an history reminiscent of ancient European pastiche and remains a strong and unique modern influence on the global market. Studying French in Paris is more amazing and breathtaking than you could imagine.

Whether you're into high fashion and couture, classic Rococo or Impressionist Art, Foie Gras or expertly aged cheeses and wines, classical music or 60's style "ye-ye," Paris offers quaint beauty and an intricate backdrop that will appeal to something in everyone. And, if you have any interest in seeing other parts of France, it makes a great launch pad. Paris is just a short train ride away from Normandy, Aix-en-Provence, Nice, and virtually every other point of interest within the country. One could even extend their language immersion to a Francophone region of Switzerland!

Here is just a smattering of the many things to do and places to see after your French classes in Paris:

Notre Dame de Paris
Louvre Museum of Art
Eiffel Tower
Hotel de Ville
Moulin Rouge
Latin Quarter
Musee d'Orsay
Arc du Triomphe
Seine Boat Tour
Montmarte

For more information regarding studying French in Paris, visit:

Study French in Paris
Languages Abroad

Video of Spanish School in Manuel Antonio

2010-06-11T16:13:25-04:00

If you are interested in studying Spanish and spending time immersed in a beautiful setting, consider Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica. Manuel Antonio National Park is comprised of both beaches and forest and is chock full of an amazing variety of wildlife. Beautiful birds, sloths, monkeys, and iguanas populate this diverse park.

Interested in studying Spanish in Costa Rica? Check out these Costa Rica Spanish school listings, as well as the COSI school.

Spanish Study Abroad in Antigua, Guatemala

2010-06-09T15:38:18-04:00

The dust has settled and the airport in Guatemala City is up and running and back to normal, meaning that Spanish study in Antigua is hurdle-free once again. An always-popular destination, Antigua will save you lots of money in travel expenses and language school costs while providing you with a safe environment and lots to keep you busy!

Located in Guatemala's Central Highlands and set at the foot of a dormant volcano, Antigua is a well-kept secret among international travelers and officially a UNESCO World Heritage location. It is a fabulous springboard location for many historical treasures and sites, and the city has done an excellent job preserving its ancient history. The area is rife with influence from Spain, Africa, and Christianity, and this is evident in everyday life in Antigua. Many language schools offer day trips to nearby Tikal, the famous home to Mayan ruins. Points of interest within the city limits of Antigua include: The Cathedral of San Jose, La Merced Church, and Hermano Pedro's Hospital, and former students always seem to come home with lots of handmade baubles and crafts!

Aside from sightseeing, Antigua is a great spot for indulging in modern-day recreation. Its colonial charm makes it a popular spot for global Spanish immersion and even retirement, and therefore it has become more internationally diverse and modern. Cuisine from all over the world is available, but you can always be sure to find Guatemalan favorites like "Pollo Campero".

All in all, Antigua is a city definitely worth checking off of your "bucket list", and planning a trip to the city will be both educational and fun!

For details about schools offering language immersion here, visit:

Don Quijote
Antigua Spanish School

Learn Spanish in Buenos Aires Argentina Video

2010-06-04T15:01:44-04:00

Watch this video of the COINED Spanish school in Buenos Aires. Buenos Aires, the beautiful capital of Argentina, is a fantastic place to study Spanish. If you are interested in learning to dance the tango, this school might be for you! For more info, check out our listings of Spanish schools in Argentina.